Anyone with a MiniMag, Nite Ize IQ switch and TerraLUX TLE-5EX shed some light

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Ok, so, i bought a mini mag after dougo sent me one. Love them! Got a nite ize iq switch and a TerraLUX TLE-5EX led dropin. My problem is, i think the iq switch drops the light output dramatically. I use duracell AA's right now in it, but i'm charging my Energizer AA 1.2v 2500mah NiMH batteries right now. Will i get more light output with the rechargeables than with the normal duracells? Is the IQ switch worth keeping on or off? Help! I'm a flashlight noob. I'll be using the light around the house, on the road, in the woods and possibly to shine up in trees or a few yards infront of me. I like the IQ switch but don't want to degrade my light too much.

 

[LUW]

The bulb on my Minimag died a few months ago and I put it aside. A few weeks ago I was surfing the net and came upon the Nite-Ize switch and led replacement for the regular Minimag. I said what the hey and bought it.

After suffering a bit to fit the led, WHOA! I never was impressed with the krypton bulb (that's what Maglight calls it?), but with the Nite-Ize light I finally have a decent flashlight. With two NiMH batteries it throws out a pretty good amount of light (mind you, I still haven't received my new flashlights to compare - LD30+ and Quark AA2).

So at least to me, Nite-Ize upgrade was totally worth it.

 

[average gimp]

The IQ switch will vampire both battery life and light output without extending runtime. One of the worst deals there is. You're best off with the old Nite-Ize switch if you have to have a clicky.

If you want more light output you'll need lithium batteries, not NiMH, either primaries or Li-Ion rechargeables. Get the protected kind unless you're capable of dealing with explosions.

 

[Buck268]

The terralux clicky is very nice. Picked one up from the battery shop a few years ago, used it on my hotwire MM (TL3 bulb, 2x14500 li-ion batteries in a minimag)- worked great... If you must have a clicky on your MM this is the one I'd recommend.

That said, with all the other and better options out there I don't see any reason to buy a mag anymore. Well, I suppose if you need a light NOW and the only store in town only carries mags that would be a reason, but you get the point. Check out 4seven's Quark line especially the Quark Mini if you're on a budget!